Shloka 2.106.21

भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)

Devanagari script

अथ क्लेशज मेव त्वं धर्मं चरितु मिच्छसि।धर्मेण चतुरो वर्णान्पालयन् क्लेश माप्नुहि।।।।

Transliteration

atha kleśajam eva tvaṁ dharmaṁ caritum icchasi |

dharmeṇa caturo varṇān pālayan kleśam āpnuhi ||

Translation

If you truly wish to practice a dharma won through hardship, then accept the hardship of ruling—protect the four social orders righteously and bear that toil.

Context

If you so desire to follow the path of dharma acquired out of physical exertion, then bear the trouble of governing the four castes of the social order righteously.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• catur-varṇa (four varṇas)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

True dharma is not escape from difficulty but acceptance of rightful burdens—especially the king’s duty to protect society justly.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata reframes Rama’s inclination toward austere dharma: kingship itself is an arduous dharma when performed for the people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s potential for sacrificial leadership; Bharata highlights that governance done righteously is itself tapas-like discipline.